Lead, Indigenous Health Strategy

As part of the Temerty Medicine’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, the Faculty’s Academic Strategic Plan identified as critical goals the expansion of support for all Indigenous members of our community including those on university campus and in our affiliated hospitals. This role is designed to support the Indigenous Health Action Network (IHAN) while identifying appropriate resources and tools to support an Indigenous Health Strategy for Toronto Academic Health Science Network (TAHSN).

This position is responsible for leading a harmonized Indigenous health strategy for the Toronto Academic Health Science Network, including the operation of IHAN; developing and leading strategies to address large gaps in Indigenous services; supporting TAHSN and its organizations to build capacity and improve the care of Indigenous people; as well as advancing the social accountability of TASHN to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis rights holders in Toronto and beyond, by fostering relationships and building partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations.

**The overall goals of this position include**:

- cultivating and promoting a learning and working environment which is culturally safe and where Indigenous history, values and knowledge are respected and valued
- advancing the responsiveness of and social accountability of TAHSN to the health and wellness needs of the First Nations Inuit Métis population of Toronto and beyond

The position will involve liaising and interfacing with existing research/researchers in supporting the identification of, and prioritization of relevant research needs of TAHSN; managing projects; consulting and interacting with TAHSN CEO’s and executives, faculty, staff, Indigenous communities, and organizations to identify strategies that will help improve the patient care to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis of Toronto and beyond by providing advice to TAHSN; following up on decisions by TAHSN; implementing and tracking the development and/or enhancements of Indigenous initiatives, programs and supports emerging from IHAN and TASHN. As needed, the incumbent will provide information to the TAHSN leaders in order to enhance ongoing and new Indigenous initiatives for TAHSN.

The incumbent will provide a high level of support to the Vice-Provost, Relations with Healthcare Institutions and the Chair, TAHSN on a health strategy that supports the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis population in Toronto and beyond and serves as the main point of contact for addressing and/or directing inquiries. In partnership with IHAN, the incumbent will lead the implementation and sustainability of the Health Strategy.

The incumbent will work in a complex environment that requires a high degree of sensitivity, responsiveness and a need to maintain absolute confidentiality. The role will continue to evolve and the individual must be willing to respond to the given priorities of the day and be willing to work cooperatively in a challenging and dynamic environment.

**Reporting to**:

- Position will report to Strategic Lead, Indigenous Health and will have a dotted line report to the Vice Provost, Relations with Healthcare Institutions at Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto and will have functional reporting to the Chair of TAHSN;
- Position will work with TAHSN, including but not limited to the TAHSN secretariat, CEO Committee, leaders, networks, affiliated working groups, Indigenous-led community organizations;
- Will work in close partnership with the Office of Indigenous Health, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and will receive additional support and guidance from the office on critical issues, projects, as well as strategic leadership to help build capacity;
- IHAN will be a key reference and support.

Responsibilities & Duties
- This position will manage the alignment and coordination of Indigenous health strategy across TAHSN and provide strategic support to the Indigenous Health Action Network
- Lead the ongoing development of IHAN, including exploring new avenues for connection as well as designing of structures, policies, agreements, funding opportunities etc. as required;
- Act as a senior consultant with CEO and executive level roles across TAHSN related to Indigenous Health Strategy
- Lead the design and implementation of project work plans and other project materials related to proposals, submissions and/or reporting;
- Track progress and address challenges/delays/risks to projects, elevating to the Strategic Lead and/or Vice Provost, Relations with Healthcare Institutions as necessary;
- Advocate with or on behalf of IHAN ‘s strategic interest at relevant local, regional, provincial, and federal tables on matters of Indigenous health policy, health service delivery Indigenous cultural safety, or anti-Indigenous racism;
- Collaborate closely with the TAHSN Secretariat team to ensure overall alignment with TAHSN strategy and